A cordial welcome back for John and Jeanne Hurst, who have just returned from the “big shew” in Tucson, where they were successful once again in obtaining some very desirable prizes for our annual mineral show to be held in December. More about that later. In the meantime, we will be hearing from our show chairman Ray Gilbert as to progress on the show, which will be in expanded quarters this year at the County Fairgrounds in Longmont. We will be having more space as we move to the larger building, where maybe we can have a few more dealers.

Let’s have a good turnout for our March speaker, renowned world traveler and general man-around-town Terry O’Donnell who will regale us with his escapades on the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Maybe he can tell us why the snowfields are shrinking up there.

And then don’t forget the silent auction that is to be held at our April meeting. Bring all that extra stuff that has been sitting around, and give your fellow-collectors a chance to enjoy it. You will also have an opportunity to donate some or all of your proceeds to the club, it you feel generous. Anyway, be sure to come and have a good time.

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Club Programs for March, April
 

For our March program (March 9) we will have Terry O’Donnell as our speaker, and he will show slides and tell us about his recent travels in East Africa on the Serengeti Plain, and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Although he’s not sure how much geological content there will be, Terry says he will try to point out a rock when one shows up in a slide!

For April (April 13) we will be holding our annual Silent Auction, which is described in the following article.

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Silent Auction!

The time has come, folks, for our annual silent auction, so gather ye round for another exciting time. The date is April 13th, the time 7:00 p.m.  Bring your items for sale to the West Side Senior center at 6:30 p.m. So please search your basement and garage for appropriate items—we need more!  Specimens, fossils, books, videos, tools, software, beads, and jewelry—anything you think might attract buyers at a silent auction for rock hounds and lapidarists.

In this bulletin you will find copies of the slips that you need to fill out, or you can obtain them when you sign in.  Fill out both the top and bottom parts, as the bottom part is cut off to be sent home with the buyer. Each seller will be assigned a number that must be entered on the sale slip. The club keeps 25% of the final bid, or more if the seller so indicates on the slip.  A minimum bid price may be entered on the slip if the seller desires. If no percentage is entered, it will be assumed that the item is being donated to the club. Each buyer will also be assigned a number that will be entered beside the buyer's bid. Minimum bids are 25 cents over the previous price or whatever the seller designates. There will also be a kid’s table where it is assumed that the items are donated and at which there will be no minimum bids or minimum increments.

The auction will start as soon after 7:00 as we are ready. The tables will be numbered, and after about an hour of bidding one of the tables will be closed and the others later at various intervals. The bidding should be over by 9 p.m. at which time the money for the successful bids will be collected. Sellers will receive their money through the mail at a later date.

All club members are requested to bring something in the way of snacks or nibble foods. The club will provide drinks, plates, cups and serving utensils.

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Jr. Geologists Start Earth Resources Badge

In February, the Jr. Geologists started the Earth Resources badge with a trip to McGuckin’s Hardware. For this badge, our juniors are learning how many of the things we use every day originally came from minerals and rocks from the earth. And what better place to look at a wide array of items than McGuckin’s. With a cart of various minerals, we traveled through the store to look at the finished goods that were derived from the minerals, including copper pipe and wire, steel tools, car batteries containing lead and sulfuric acid, fertilizer with potash and phosphates, and batteries with lithium and manganese dioxide.

According to the Mineral Information Institute, an American born today will use 34,045 lbs iron ore, 82,634 gallons of petroleum, 1,544 lbs copper, 572,052 lbs coal, 849 lbs zinc, 31,266 lbs salt, and 25,244 lbs phosphate rock.

In March, the juniors will take a field trip to learn how minerals are recovered from the earth. For details of the field trip, contact Dennis Gertenbach at gertenbach@comcast.net or 303-462-3522.

Juniors – don’t forget your homework to make a list of ten items in you home that came from rocks or minerals. For help, check out this website: http://www.womeninmining.org/house1.htm
(scroll down the page until you come to the “Industrial Minerals Around the House” table.)
 

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2006 Field Trips

The 2006 field trip season is now underway. Two field trips are in the planning stages; please contact the field trip leader for more information and to sign up for the trip.

North Table Mountain Zeolites – April (day to be determined) Trip Leader: Ray Gilbert.  North Table Mountain, outside of Golden, is a world-famous locality for zeolites, a series of alumina-silicate minerals. You are sure to find thomsonite, analcime, and chabazite, plus the possibility of less common minerals.

Cretaceous Fossils – Saturday, May 6 (location to be determined) Trip Leader: Dennis Gertenbach. We will be looking for invertebrate fossils of creatures that lived during the Cretaceous period, when the eastern half of Colorado was covered by the Western Interior Seaway.

Other trips in the planning stages include:
Devil’s Head to look for amazonite and smoking quartz
Baculite Mesa for baculites (of course), spiral ammonites, and other invertebrates
Flattops for Paleozoic fossils, including brachiopods and snails
Kremmling to visit the giant ammonite site (protected) and search for fossils
Watch for details in upcoming newsletters and for information at monthly club meetings.

Interested in leading a field trip this year? It’s a great opportunity to take members to a favorite collecting site or to check out a new site with others in the club. Leader packets have been prepared to assist you – just contact Dennis Gertenbach for more information .
 

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2006 FMC Show Committee

The first meeting of the Mineral Show committee of the new year was held at John Hurst's house in January to critique the 2005 show and plan the 2006 show. Since the main building at the Boulder County Fairgrounds was available, the committee decided to ask for that location instead of the smaller building. It was determined that by inviting a few additional dealers and increasing the ticket prices, we would be able to handle the additional cost. Also, it was agreed to offer space to the Train Club if they would like to join us, as they were looking for a location also. The show dates were set for December 8, 9 and 10.

The next meeting of the Show Committee will be held at Ray Gilbert's house in Berthoud on March 23 (Thursday) at 7:15 p.m. We will form sub-committees for the show. The address is 4629 West County Road 4. Contact Ray for directions.
 

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Obituary 

Former FMC club president and field trip coordinator Willliam Dana Bateman died in Boulder on Feb 8. Bill was a good leader who will certainly be missed by his family, friends, and the FMC members who knew him. Contributions in his name may be made to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. His obituary is available at the Boulder Daily Camera’s web site.

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Tips

Dump the sludge from the water tray of your Genie onto your chrysanthemums. Walt Brundage of Shawneee G&MS does, and he gets all kinds of different colors in the flowers from the mineral content of sludge! (The Rogue, Medford, OR)

Petrified Wood—Try cutting petrified wood lengthwise to the grain. A more pleasing pattern will sometimes appear. If a limb section is being cut, try cutting it on the diagonal, and the grain will be revealed to a better advantage. (The Rogue, Medford, OR)

Cabbing tip: Transparent stones should be polished on both front and back. Otherwise, saw marks can show through and appear to be cracks. (Pegmatite Bulletin, San Diego)

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Using Colorado Wildlife Areas Now Requires Wildlife Habitat Stamp

Anyone entering Colorado Wildlife Areas administered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) for rockhounding or other recreational use is now required to purchase a Wildlife Habitat Stamp. This program is expected to raise $2.3 million next year, with the proceeds dedicated to the protection of wildlife habitat.

Anyone possessing either hunting or fishing license will need to purchase a $5 mandatory habitat stamp to legally gain access to these state wildlife properties. Those who use a state wildlife area and who do not have a hunting or fishing license will be required to purchase a $10 habitat stamp.

Habitat stamps are free to those who are under 19 and over 65. Stamps are also free for the mobility impaired, military hospital patients and Colorado residents who are active duty military personnel stationed outside of Colorado, but on leave in Colorado. There is a lifetime habitat stamp available for $200.

Under Colorado law, 60% of the money collected until 2010 must be spent on big game winter range and migration corridors. Not only will deer and elk benefit from this program, but also bears, mountain lions, hawks, eagles, and a variety of grouse and small mammal species thrive in the same habitat. The remaining money will be used on other critical animal habitat, including wetlands, riparian, prairie and forest land projects.

Stamps can be purchased wherever hunting or fishing licenses are sold, as well as on the DOW’s website and by phone at (800) 244-5613. Stamps will not be available for purchase at State Wildlife Areas.
 

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New Fossil Discoveries
by Dennis Gertenbach

Ancestor of T. rex was a speedster
Paleontologists working in northwestern China have unearthed the oldest ancestor yet of Tyrannosaurus rex. Guanlong wucaii (crown dragon from the land of five colors) was a mid-sized predator with long arms and razor-sharp teeth. One unusual feature was an inflatable crest atop its snout. Unlike T. rex, this newly discovered dinosaur was not the top-of-the-line predator, a swift animal that could probably outrun anything it could not fight.

G. wucaii lived 160 million years ago, 90 million years before T.rex ruled the earth. It is the oldest tyrannosaur ever found by at least 30 million years.

The creature was recently described in the journal Nature by the discovery team under the direction of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing. The team found G. wucaii in 2002. At first, excavators thought they had found only one specimen. However, after chipping away the rock encasing the fossil, they found a second skeleton below the first. Analysis showed the lower fossil was a juvenile, about 7 years old, while the top skeleton was a 12-year-old adult. The mature specimen was about 10 feet long, compared to T. rex, who was 40 feet in length and weighed 6 tons.


Was T.Rex a Lumbering Scavenger or an Agile Predator?
This debate still rages in paleontological circles. At the recent meeting of the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in St. Louis, evidence was presented for both sides of this debate.

Dr Lawrence Witmer of Ohio University, used medical CT scanning to reconstruct the shape of the animal's brain, including its inner ear, which is not only important for hearing but is also critical for balance. The structure of its inner ear suggests T. Rex had excellent hearing and balance. T. rex has the inner ear of a much smaller, very agile animal, with a heightened sense of equilibrium and balance. The skull also revealed that T. rex was capable of rapid turning movements of its eyes and head, necessary to track its prey

However, Dr Jack Horner, a leading expert on T. rex, has uncovered evidence that indicates the dinosaur was lumbering and awkward. Dr Horner and colleagues carried out microscopic analysis of the dinosaur's vertebrae, indicating that its strong ligaments that would have made its body very rigid from the neck all the way back to the tail. The dinosaur is found in comparatively large numbers, compared to other top predators that are comparatively rare. Also its teeth are specialized for crushing bone. All these traits point to a relatively slow moving scavenger.


Largest Pterosaurs Discovered
At a recent meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science's Festival of Science in Dublin, evidence of the largest flying animal that ever lived on earth was presented. Paleontologist Eberhard Frey of the Natural History Museum in Karlsruhe, Germany, discovered the footprints of a pterosaur in Mexico with a wingspan of at least 59 feet—larger than that of a modern fighter jet.

Pterosaur wings were designed for gliding but their shoulder joints allowed them to be quite maneuverable. Most likely, the creature became airborne by jumping, as its pelvis was similar to a frog. Their bones were very thin and hollow, making them very light, and their wing membrane was very, very thin. Thus, they were ideally suited for flying.

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Invertebrate Paleontology Class
 

March 18 & 19, 2006, 9 am to 5 pm each day
Colorado School of Mines,
Berthoud Hall, Room 306
16th & Illinois Avenue, Golden, Colorado

WIPS founders Jordan Sawdo and Bryan Cooney will teach a condensed version of their popular invertebrate paleontology class next month. The weekend workshop is an opportunity for novices to learn to identify fossils as well as a great chance for experienced amateur paleontologists to refresh their skills. The course will include a review of the basics of geology, taxonomic hierarchy and classification of organisms. The balance of the two-day course will consist of lecture and hands-on time with specimens through the phyla and classes of invertebrates, including their significance in the paleo environment and geologic record. Cost: $20 fee to cover the cost of class reading, study and lecture material. Lab faunal specimens for hands-on activity will be supplied by the Colorado School of Mines and the instructors. Class size: Up to 15. More with permission of instructors.

To sign up, please contact: Jordan Sawdo, 303-452-7792, jordanruth@msn.com
Or Bryan Cooney, 303-980-9274
Sign up early. Previous classes in 1993 and 1997 have filled quickly. If you are interested in future WIPS classes on topics such as vertebrates, paleobotany, preparation and curation, and judging and exhibiting, please let the instructors know.

 

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Lifelong Learning Geology Classes

Our own Ed Raines is teaching two Geology classes this spring through the Lifelong Learning program. Those who have taken Ed’s classes in previous years have raved about how much they learn. To sign up for these classes or for more information, call 303-499-1125 ext. 222.

Front Range Geology - Boulder is a treasure trove of geological wonder. Learn the basic geologic principles and history so that you can more fully appreciate the incredible scenery of our Front Range. We will examine the violent origins of the Rockies and discover how the oceans, glaciers, volcanoes, and the collision of continents have reshaped this area. Additionally, we will investigate the world-famous mineral deposits and the gold and silver mining of the Front Range. Four weekend field trips will be scheduled in class to examine the geologic lay of the land, the footprints of long-extinct organisms, and the gold and silver mining districts. A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.
Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: 9 sessions starting March 21, 2006, ending May 23, 2006. Cost: $135, Materials Fee: $25

Mineral and Rock Identification Lab - This is an opportunity to spend lab time with popular geology instructor Ed Raines. He has built a collection of 150 to 200 teaching example mineral specimens for you to experiment with and rock kits (with examples of all of the important sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks that one needs to be aware of in a simplified classification.) Each student will have their own low power stereo microscope to use during each class. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 10 STUDENTS SO REGISTER EARLY! A $100 lab and materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.
Wednesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: 7 sessions starting April 12, 2006, ending May 24, 2006. Cost: $95, Materials Fee: $100
 

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Upcoming Events, Nearby & Elsewhere 

March 24-26, Fort Collins: 45th annual show; Fort Collins Rockhounds; Lincoln Center, 419 W. Magnolia St.; Fri. 4-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $3 (three-day pass $5), ages 13-18 $1, children under 12 free with adult; featuring fluorite and jasper; contact Fort Collins Rockhounds, P.O. Box 482, Fort Collins, CO 80522, (970) 493-0381; e-mail: fcrockhounds@yahoo.com.

Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day. USGS will sponsor one or more free public geology/natural history field trips on or about this date; many other groups plan outdoor environmental science activities. For information and a list of public Earth Day activities in any state throughout the U.S., see http://www.earthday.net/

May 20-21: Rock & Gem Show in Casper, WY, at the Parkway Plaza. Two 8-foot tables for $50, contact wyo_rockhound@msn.com for a show packet.

June 16-18 is the Pikes Peak Gem and Mineral Show, in Colorado Springs, an interesting and educational event, sponsored by the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society; see http://www.csms.us/index.htm

August 10-13 is the "Contin-Tail" rock swap and outdoor mineral show, at the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, Colorado. A free and fun event, and a good place to find "anything you were looking for" in the way of rocks, gems, and minerals. See www.coloradorocks.org

August 26: FMC Annual Picnic, 4:00pm-8:00pm, Main Pavilion at the North Boulder Park at 9th Street and Balsam St. (same location as last year).
 

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Denver Gem & Mineral Show Mini Report January 2006
Judy Knoshaug, Show Committee Secretary

It's never too early to start promoting the Denver Gem and Mineral Show. Reserve those show dates - September 15-17, 2006. The theme for this year's show is Minerals of South America. Now everyone knows that South America has fantastic minerals so you know the exhibits will be incredible. The Show Chair is again, Martin Hannu, who is a member of North Jeffco and WIPS. The Show Committee works diligently all year long to plan and put on the show. We try to keep all club members informed about the show so they will feel a part of the show and the opportunity it provides to enjoy this mineral, gem, bead, fossil hobby that is so fascinating. We also hope club members will be willing to volunteer to work at the show when it comes to September. Keeping members informed is the purpose of the monthly mini reports. Perhaps a few persons might also volunteer for the Show Committee. New people are always welcome and needed on the Show Committee. Each club has a representative to the Show Committee. Your representative should be helping to keep your club informed about the show. If you don't know who your club representative is, ask your club president. If you have any suggestions for the show, contact your club representative or the Show Chair, Martin Hannu, at 303-429-2519. Your input will be appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,
 

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Minerals Of Colorado Book Sale
Mike Dyer, Vice President Fulcrum Publishing

Several years ago Fulcrum Publishing in Golden released Minerals of Colorado, a 667 page tome detailing a record of mineralogy in the State of Colorado spanning more than 140 years. Minerals of Colorado is a result of more than two decades of work and provides the most complete documentation of Colorado mineralogy ever compiled. This incredible work includes more than 774 different mineral descriptions from abernathyite to zwieselite, historical data, locality information and an extensive bibliography. While not intended as a field guide, Minerals of Colorado nonetheless includes a locality index of important mineral occurrences, in addition to two large-scale and six detail maps that show significant mineral localities throughout the State, and 119 color and 26 black-and-white photographs.

Fulcrum Publishing is down to our last 200 copies of this important work and we're eager to get the remaining few in the hands of Colorado gem and mineral enthusiasts rather than tucked away at a large dusty book wholesaler.

Minerals of Colorado has a $150.00 retail price and has been seen selling for more than retail at some specialty stores, online auctions or mineral shows due to its limited availability. For a very limited time, Fulcrum Publishing is offering copies of the book at 40% OFF, just $90.00 each to individuals and 50% off, just $75.00 each to retail accounts for resale. This offer has been extended to a select group of Colorado mineral and gem clubs, wholesalers, and rock shops only, and will expire upon sale of the last copy. All orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are interested in ordering copies for yourself, customer, or other club members please contact Mike Dyer or 800.992.2908 x 242.
 

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Rockhound’s Code of Ethics
By Dennis Gertenbach

Now that field trip season is approaching, it is appropriate that each of us review the American Federation of Mineralogical Society’s Code of Ethics. This code is followed at all Flatiron Mineral Club field trips and activities, and should also be used by club members during private trips.

* I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
* I will keep informed on all laws, regulations or rules governing collecting on public lands and will observe them.
* I will, to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
* I will use no firearms or blasting material in collecting areas.
* I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
* I will leave all gates as found.
* I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
* I will discard no burning material - matches, cigarettes, etc.
* I will fill all excavation holes, which may be dangerous to livestock.
* I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
* I will cause no willful damage to collecting material and will take home only what I can reasonably use.
* I will practice conservation and undertake to utilize fully and well the materials I have collected and will recycle my surplus for the pleasure and benefit of others.
* I will support the rockhound project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found.
* I will cooperate with field-trip leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
* I will report to my club or federation officers, Bureau of Land Management or other authorities, any deposit of petrified wood or other materials on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations for public educational and scientific purposes.
* I will appreciate and protect our heritage of natural resources.
* I will observe the "Golden Rule", will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner that will add to the stature and public image of rockhounds everywhere.
 

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Updated 3/7/06